The Dominica government has reiterated its position that it will not support the use of scarce financial funds to introduce voter identification cards for citizens.
But
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that his administration is prepared to pay the four million (EC) dollars (US$1.48 million) for the a national identification card which he said could also serve as a voter ID card.
The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has been calling on the government to introduce the voter ID card as a means of ensuring free and fair elections in the country, but Skerrit said the issue is still before his Cabinet.
I need to know exactly what will the Natinal ID cost Versus the cost of the Voter ID .
The First excuse by the governmnet was that the country can’t afford it now that has shifted to the function the card serves.
I Have one question for the the PM and the bloggers who suports his idea of National ID.
My question is, can a national ID card prevents my dad who is from and resides in the Portsmouth constituency from voting in the Cottage constituency . ( please remember how Mr.austrie first won that seat).
I am also suprised that the media included DNO has failed to publised an article as to the pros and cons of voter ID versus national ID , with regards to providing for free and fair election .
Its clear from reading these comments that most dominicans don’t undersatnd the concept of a voters id and the role it plays.
One of the quay role of a voters ID encompasses that of ensuring only qulified persons vote but to ensure that people vote in their respective constituency that they has been residing in for a period not less that six month.
With that in place politician will not move individual from constituencies that are strong to register in bordering constituencies that are weak .
A next pertinent importance is that of overseas voters. I am not one who believes that dominicans abroad should not vote , but i am against a system where one party has access to state funds which is utilized to higher planes and boats to get there supporters to vote while the other party don’t have that ability. i am saying if overseas citizen are voting then a system must be erected to allow anyone abroad who is elligible and willing, to be able to vote. Any such system will provide for a fair election.
Unitl such system is develop, the voter idea will eliminate the overseas voters because one would have to reside in the island / constituency for six month to be registered.
Posie radical , keep up the goood work. I think you are the real educator here. Maybe , we need to challenge the electoral commision to get off their lorrels , presure the governmnet for the funds while at the same time seeking to raise funds on there own for that important cause.
i am sure if the election rights to varios orgainsation they will not only recieved funds but technical assistance may be provided.
The fact that the organisation has not seek alternative means of sourcing funds shows the degree of incompetency in dominica. ( sorry candwany you my boy still .)
why have dominicans became so gutter type in their everyday affairs its a way shame…
dominicans only see affairs and issues just for 20mins…this includes so call educated minds, and the public at large…
dominicans just love skero and is going to be difficult to change that…also the churches are still in favour of corruption which they praise God at church for..
so its a tough call…think its DOOMED!!
@ whistler
You are another one who is generalizing again, tarnishing the good name of others and overlooking the good that they do.
This is your personal view which is incorrect and do not represent everyone’s views.
You are not a fair and just person. What you have stated against the churches is a downright lie. It does not represent every church. Your evil words came straight from the open, evil jaws of Hell which is always waiting to swallow evil people/souls into the eternal cauldron of everlasting fires; those people who also project their hatred for God and for the churches.
Be careful! Watch your words and language!
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “By your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” He is taking note of your words.
Cease bashing churches. He is also listening. He knows who you are. He is displeased with your hatred and evil words against churches.
I am wondering if you are not the one who is doomed.
When last did you go to church? When last you prayed for yourself, your family and country with a loving, fervent, humble and contrite heart?
When last did you pray for the churches in general, something which all Christians are obligated to do?
When last did you do a good deed for someone with a cheerful spirit without counting the cost and time and without getting tired of doing so in a godly and Christian-like manner?
If you are a genuine practicing Christian, praying with such a heart as mentioned above and performing acts of love in Jesus’ Name, you will never bash churches and for no reason.
There are some people who are living sinful lives yet they will accuse others of doing evil.
Oh my, it never ceases to amaze me that sinners, some in a worst way, calling sinners evil. Look to yourself and judge yourself! Keep yourself mortally and spiritually fruitfully busy. Your day is coming. It is time for the judgment to begin.
Here we go again. The self rightous , boring idiot. Troll, troll troll.
Somebody wake me up when this disconnected troll idiot is done
The voter ID card, they “fraid” it BAD!
I overheard a respectable man say that Skerrit is not a fool and reference is made about the Chinese road project.
The Opposition must be on their guard and let Taiwan know what is likely to be in store for them if they the opposition were to win the next election.
The most travelled road in Dominica is the west coast road. Imagine the length of road is being poorly rehabilitated all now. It means Ron or Edison must take a big loan to make that road drivable. But there is a catch.
If Dominica breaks relation with China under UWP China will demand repayment or even invade Taiwan.
So Skerrit going and give an ID Card and he going and call election knowing that he cannot get Diass-poora to come back and vote but will use his physco and tell voters that he has discovered a secret document that Taiwan has issued to the UWP that they would not be able to assist him since they will have to repay China for him all d free money they thought was free only to find out d true MOU was not grant money
Boy Skerro have head boss
All Skerrit going and ask Dominicans if they want to have such debts on their backs and start scare old people .
I mean mister have to try something – all his friends have problems these days.
more light will shine on those intermix issues.
I can vote in the US with just my state ID, and even though I show a voter card I still have to show my state ID, so I think the state ID is more impotant because I cant vote with just a voter card.
@ smh
Keep in mind that only those who are citizens, not necessarily born in the USA, who hold a valid passport are eligible to vote in the USA, Canada and Europe. This should be so in all countries in the West Indies as Dominica.
the only reason you think the state ID is more important is because you do not understand the system.
so stay in your state and vote……me self looking at the state i in all now before i vote WEEEEE
The history of the Slave Trade and Slavery instructs us that the hierarchy of most of the churches at the time, missionaries, pastors, priests,Bishops, Popes, other religious heads teemed up with the Elite Class, and supported that evil system.
Of course, the ordinary followers of those religious faiths, the poor, marginalised, powerless, voiceless, people had other thoughts about slavery and the dehumanizing treatment of African people. They struggled relentlessly, organised themselves to fight against the colonial way of life, the misery and death faced by their Black brothers and sisters.
To see and hear what so called Christians adopt, do, support, take part in is totally opposed to good moral, ethical standards of living. Dominica is a vivid example of a So-called Christian country, where mental Slavery is embedded, where dictatorship is entrenching, where the Constitution and the Laws are disrespected, where corrupt practices are rampant, where institutions are heavily influenced politically and have lost their independence, crimes and violence are increasing and its business as usual.
Which Christians and How many are seriously concerned about Electoral Reforms, the Provision of VOTER ID CARDS and the Cleaning Up of the Voters’ List, to ensure that our elections in Dominica are FREE and FAIR? How many of them in Power, in Govt. in Civil Society Organisations that have added their voices for the urgent need for providing Voter ID cards and cleaning Up the List?
Skeritt has no moral or political authority to refuse the Electoral Commission the finance to provide VOTER ID CARDS and to CLEAN UP THE BLOATED VOTERS” LIST. Skerritt and his DLP Govt. would be acting against the Constitution, acting ILLEGALLY, undermining the independence of the Electoral Commission by mandating that Independent body to provide National ID cards against their expressed wishes of requesting for VOTER ID CARDS.
Wouldn’t VOTER ID CARDS and cleaning the list help the Independent Electoral Commission, in its conducting of elections, to properly identify all those eligible to vote in Dominica? Why is Skerritt and his DLP Govt. AFRAID of such reforms? Many Dominicans suspect WHY?
But why should SO FEW BE Allowed to control the lives, the aspirations and hopes of SO MANY? Dominicans should never accept from politicians, not any time to come, that elections will be FREE and FAIR. But all of us Dominicans must ensure and support the call for Electoral Reform, For VOTER ID CARDS and CLEANING UP THE VOTERS’ LIST.
How many Christians, who profess to love God and love to live in peace, are supporting Govt, not to respond to the genuine request of the Commission and the people of Dominica? They are giving support to the stubbornness and dictatorial stance of Skerritt not to ensure Free and Fair elections by refusing to provide the finance for Voter ID cards.
u know why u getting so much thumbs down??? because the brain drain that we suffering leave only the drain brains behind….so to get a better response u need to break down words like constitution, often mistaken for constipation, and fair often mistaken for kiddies carnival. bro we have failed already, by allowing all the intellegent people to turn their vision to another man country….remember folks, even america the great had its civil wars to fight, for MAN to be able to DATE what is RIGHT and that no ones right infringes on anothers….
The opposition has been aggressively pursuing this voter ID card business but quite frankly i have no confidence nor faith in this. for one, we know for a fact that this UWP opposition has failed the citizens of dominica and for a while now have been lacking political substance, this voter ID card call is shallow it is a mare distraction from the real issues and a means to divert attention from the opposition party’s shorting. Had these ID cards been of such importance the same UWP would have honored the constitution that they claim Skerrit violates and while they were in government they would have had said cards installed right before the elections which saw them put out of office. so in principle UWP is as guilty as Skerrit of violating the constitution where voter ID cards are in question (but Do so never Like so).
WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT workers before ya’ll start to dislike and posts crazy replies to my comment continue reading(i am not a Labour fanatic either).
Truth is, voter ID cards won’t really curb election irregularities (if in fact they exist)because just like OUR PASSPORTS and BIRTH CERTIFICATES so too can these ID cards be duplicated, falsified, etc and illegally and sold or handed to illegitimate voters. i have personally witnessed fake voter ID cards in the hands of illegitimate holders and i have heard of widespread election fraud (i have been resident in a country where voter ID cards are a requirement)under said system. I have seen holders of multiple cards, permitting them to vote in different states, polling areas, etc and since these cards are used as valid ID for a number of other functions i have heard of cases of identity theft, bank fraud, etc using fake cards as well.
so u see, voter ID cards really don’t solve the problems related to election fraud (they also come with a host of problems of their own) thus making the opposition’s argument weak so if Skerrit is as twisted and dishonest as they claim he is, they may actually stand to lose with the implementation of voter ID cards (unless they have their own fraudsters lined up to take advantage of the illegalities which may be associated with said voter ID cards).
what a foolish post and no you are not a labourite but rather one of those benefiting from skerritt,spoken as a true follower.
Rebel with a cause:
I disagree with you. Something would be radically wrong with the Voter ID Cards as well as with those who are employed at the Polling Stations if names are duplicated or that people vote more than once or there are fictitious names.
I do believe in organization and simplicity –to make life simple and easy for myself.
I have outlined a system which is utilized by especially the Government of Canada which will deter duplication and weed out ineligible voters. It is quite simple which every West Indian government, namely the Dominican government could put into effect. Refer to what I stated previously.
To further state, the voting list should comprise of only the names of all nationals who are eligible to vote, namely only Dominican citizens, those who hold a valid Dominican passport. It should not comprise of non-Dominican citizens, those who are given legal residency who do not hold a legal Dominican passport.
Non-Dominicans who are only residents, who did not apply to be citizens of Dominica, do not hold a Dominican passport or are not legible to apply for same should not own a Dominican passport. Therefore, they are ineligible to vote in the election.
In this case, these should not be given a National ID Card.
Only citizens of Dominica, legible Dominicans names should be given a National ID Card.
Dominicans who are eligible to vote should present whatever legible Card and another ID, as a utility bill, as proof that they are in fact the authentic voters who are residing at that address. Their names should be crossed out once they present those credentials. This should avoid any duplication.
If there are honest polling clerks, etc., at those Polling Stations duplications should never occur.
In order to have a fair election, the government should ensure that honesty prevails at also the Polling Stations. It is something to keep in mind.
How much more would national ID cards cost for about 60000 Dominicans in the country, plus another 70000 outside as opposed to voter ID cards for just about 40000 plus voters who are qualified to vote? Do the math and you will realize that Mr. Skerrit can’t possibly be serious about his excuse for cost. What about the 27 million for the state house. This man only wants to continue manipulating elections with overseas dominicans so he can remain in power and so the national ID card is his ticket as people who are not even qualified to vote can use this card to vote. Further it is illegal for him to interfere in the operations of the electoral commission and so he cannot force them to accept use of a national ID card as oppsosed to the voter ID card that the commission has recommended
If we are concerned about cost it seems more logical to proceed with the voter ID as we may only be interested in 25000 ID’s. Take control of the passport scammers lock them up , close down their law offices and allow our passports and drivers license, SS cards etc to be sufficient identification devices. A national ID would somewhat dictate that ALL Dominicans home and abroad would need an ID. My children who are not Dominican by birth but proud to be Dominican by parenthood will want an ID as well. My question to the PM is will my children be able to come to Dominica to vote?
It is time we demand or vote people ho are broad minded
I am not a PM Skerrit fan, but I think he makes sense. I see not need for a voters’ ID and a National ID. One ID is fine. And I also agree that even a passport is fine to as an ID for voting. A government issues ID showing date of birth should be good.
I think what people are trying to say is that people who are not registered are being allowed to vote. You can have a DA passport and still not be on the registered list.
@ Homeboy
In this case a census should be conducted of every person who resides in a household.
The government should make it mandatory that every Dominica fill out the census form. The census forms will/should indicate those who are Dominican citizens and who are only residents, non-Dominican citizens.
The government should have a list of those who pay taxes. This is also helpful for the voters list and National ID Cards.
The government should not issue National ID Cards to those who are non-citizens.
I would love to assist the government accordingly.
The requirement for voting is not only age. It also takes into account your stay in the country an the constituency in which you are to vote. To qualify to vote you have to be residing in the country and constituency for a specified period leading up to the election unlike the illegalities we have seen happen where people fly in today, vote today and fly out the day after. For non natives you would have had to live here five years prior to the elections unlike what we saw where non-natives wo had just gotten passports voted. A voter ID card will eliminate all that and help with a free and fair election
Why the need to disassociate allu selves with skerritt when it is clear that you are? let your consciences be your guide, don’t fight it and say what it tells you and that si that this child is a bad choice for leadind this country or any other country. May I remind you and the others that the things which skerritt does are not his ideas but rather that of other persons, tony ass-too- fan et al. who will do any thing to keep him in office in order the feather their nests.
think think think before you type… didnt they just catch some people in canada and britan with dominican passports which were obtained ilegally. furthermore some years ago hatians were stealing dominicans passports or buying stollen passports from thieves just to have the original picture removed and installed their own so they can travel and do all kinds of crime.. then with these passports they could vote ilegally… DONT YOU THINK… voter id is a must for the caribbean people who,s legal and law system is weak with political interference and bribery
u see when i hear people talk like that the word CHAP that does come to mind with all the bent up *&&^(^( that in me. u know punish my child as soon as she does wrong because i know that holding the upset inside is not goood well i can tell u you plenty young man have it holding on their chest out here eh
and i know is we first that going to taste the fire when it start,,,,,,,MOTHERS dont think of yourself think of what u leaving for you children to inherit. a fear mongering system that will manipulate brother to kill brother and your daughters to sell their souls all for the sake of men who love money more than their own people..
Hmmmm Skerrit says it will cost too much money to make voter ID cards, but which is more costly, voter ID cards or national ID cards for all citizens of Dominica?
Very good observation. Which is more cost effective 30 thousand ID’s for illegible voters or 200 thousand ID’s for all dominican natinals?
Some time I wonder whether or not these politicians really have a brain.
27 million dollars on a state mansion in this hard economic times yet medical care is substandard, no jobs for young people and tourism is underdeveloped.
Really fed-up with the politicians playing politics with us. I’m quoting “Registration of Electors Act, Chapter 2:03 Section 19”
“The Chief Registering Officer MAY cause identification cards containing prescribed information to be issued in accordance with the Regulations, or MAY EMPLOY OTHER SUITABLE METHODS of preventing electors from voting more than once in the same election.”
The word MAY does not mean that it is required by law that a Voters Card is issued and the section goes further on to say that OTHER SUITABLE METHODS (aka another ID system or form of identification) may be used. That’s where the National ID System would come into play.
This National ID System is not and will not be just a Dominican thing. Do your research. It is an OECS initiative that is already being researched and conceptualized. It would be tied into the various national databases (Registry, Social Security, Driver’s system, Income Tax, Passport, Health, Farmers, Police, Court, ELECTION SYSTEM etc.) with links to all the countries so your information can follow you no matter which OECS island you go to and for how long.
Criminals from the other islands would not be able to come and cool-off in Dominica just like that. And vice versa (too many victims seeing man committing crimes against them then just running Antigua etc). As soon as they try to leave the system would alert the authorities and if they go illegally (backdoor) the authorities overseas would see a flag when they come to get some government service (hospital etc.).
Even India doing the same now. Do your research and stop repeating what people say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11433541
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multipurpose_National_Identity_Card
http://rfid.thingmagic.com/rfid-blog/bid/50413/India-s-National-ID-Card-Program
“The Chief Registering Officer MAY cause identification cards containing prescribed information to be issued in accordance with the Regulations”. What is the PRESCRIBED information that they are talking about. Does that mean information pertinent to someone’s illegibility to vote?
You are correct the concept of the national ID system as it relates to freedom of movement in the OECS is an idea that is being explored. For now it is just an idea. According to your the national ID could be a good deal if and only if we truly achieve those OECS aspiration which we all know is a very very long shot away from reality. I’ve been hearing these plans since I was kid. The national ID as stated would help effect a more integrated system of control particularly in the area of crime fighting. However the you seem to be ignoring or marginalizing the underlying problem of voter fraud. Obviously the DLP and opposition have all agreed that a voter ID system is required to control voter fraud thus including the importation of illegitimate voters. How is the national ID going to compensate for wide discrepancies in the voting process? Educator this is the issue at hand. If the PM can dutifully explain how the national ID will correct the problem then we can begin to rationalize the requirements or the unwarranted efforts to provide a national ID system. For now our passport is more than sufficient and unless there are confirmative measures taken by the OESC to implement an integrated ID system then your argument or support for the PM’s stalling and prevarication tactics is immature and is strictly subterfuge at best.
My comment was not meant as a panacea for Electoral Reform. We all know it is needed but a Voters ID Card is not the way to go. The “Regional/Multi-purposed ID” that is being discussed goes beyond the problem of Electoral Reform. It presents us with an opportunity to rationalize our resources by looking at the various databases, procedures, processes at the various levels.
The critical issue here is central identity which is the root of all the various corruption foundations. What I mean for example…a central ID system able to verify ones ID will allow the registry to deliver valid birth, death or marriage certificates, it would allow social security benefits to be consistent (when a person dies and th)
My previous comment was cut short for some reason (lost in cyber space) but my main idea holds.
Central verification of ID is what the national ID would do. Look at the Indian system where they are removing up to 30 different ID cards and making it into one centrally managed one while still letting all the various government and non-government agencies to individually manage their id systems. One card to swipe and all their relevant info comes up with biometric verification.
Example 1 – the interview for passports would simply mandate the candidate for passport to swipe a finger print etc to validate their identity against the national database.
Example 2 – when voting, a voter would present their national id card and swipe their finger to validate their identity against the national database.
That my fellow Dominicans is called “Economies of Scale” even if the initial cost may appear high. We would be rationalizing our “scarce” resources to work smartly for us.
Educator you do sound like a politicians – you are avoiding the issue. You are yet to explain how your favored ID system will detect voter fraud. While I acknowledge your support for an integrated ID system you are yet to mention how the national ID will red flag a Dominican above the age of 18 who is not qualified vote. Educator you are deliberately avoiding the issue by making something that a few people want into something that Dominica needs.Do we need a national ID? The honest and most reasonable answer is no. Based on your reasoning ( 1,2 and 3) are we and can we get by without the national ID – absolutely yes.
It would be nice to get a non partisan opinion from you Educator. Deal with the issue at hand- voter fraud. It would be prudent to explain how the national ID will eradicate voter fraud.
I must add that while you push the idea of “economies of scale” and that “ We would be rationalizing our “scarce” resources to work smartly for us” Dominicans seem happy with a 27 million dollar state house that is destined to be a liability instead of an asset or revenue generator.Educator how do you feel about that?
Thanks for the education, so where does the regulation say that skerritt can tell the commission which method of identification should be used? Furthermore the use of national ID may not necessarily conform with the election laws as regards eligibility to vote but you already know that.
I believe however that the comission should force skerritt’s hand by asking for money to begin the process of cleaning up the voters register.
blame our fathers for teaching us how to evade not only responsibility but accountability….and skerro daddy must have been the master player…..QUESTION…has america ever had an unmarried president….right there is a lesson about accountablility. skerro have his chold mother and still his girlfriend and god know who else…..we have no tabliods in dominica and i sure my post will be blocked jus because i say what i say
SKERRO ANSWERS TO NO ONE … PLAY ON PLAYER
If a National ID Card will be issued to Dominicans then this should be sufficient for voting.
The National ID Card is of extreme importance and helpful, in that the government will have a record of the name and address of every national. I do endorse that.
Dominicans who reside abroad are entitled to dual citizenship. If they are interested, they could apply for a National ID Card.
Election takes place every four years. The voter ID or whatever it would be called could be issued then and sent to each household prior to the election date. It should be a mere slip of paper, not an expensive one, informing them of the polling station where they can vote and the times and to bring two pieces of ID, such as the National ID Card and a utility bill as hydro or cable or telephone bill. This is to confirm the address of the voters and to ensure that the voter is the legitimate one.
A list of names of the voters should be provided be it on the computer or on paper whichever would make it easier for the polling clerks.
When they arrive to vote and present their ID’s, the polling clerk looks up the list of names, compares the ID of the voters and crosses out their names. If someone else tries to vote with this name, they should be disqualified.
I do think it is easy and simple. Some people do make a mountain out of a molehill. They make everything difficult.
It is also for this reason that during an election there are many fights and blood-shed. I do hope the next election will be a peaceful one.
May God put a hand and prevent this from occurring.
I totally get you and side with you. I do not know why you got thumbs down, must be that people are not ready to listen to reason. The national ID would provide each person with a unique identifier, so in cases where you have four people with same first and last names in a given village, confusion will not arise as to which john doe is that, the the unique identifier would clear up that matter.
that is exactly what the voter ID will achieve, a unique identifier for each voter. No voters list will be linked to the national ID and you can believe this as gospel.
Now that is what I talking about. Look at these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_identification_number
in particular this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_identification_number_%28Denmark%29
@ ha!
Thank you. The reason some give thumbs down, you know whose side they are on. In addition, there are some people who do not appreciate common sense and intelligent comments.
I have noted that there are some people who do comment intelligently and they get thumbs down. I have concluded that there are also some idle people who have nothing good to do with their time. They access DNO, read the comments and are not pleased with what they read therefore they wickedly give thumbs down.
There are also those who lack patience in reading and who make uncomplimentary comments. I have grown accustomed to them. So much for them. It shows where they are coming from. If I could reply and/or feel like replying to them I do so.
I stand on the side of truth, fairness and what is good to do and practice. Thanks be to God.
God bless you!
Truth Love and Peace -Boring and senseless as usual. Have you ever been to Paix Bouche. If not then consider Paix Bouche because you bore the heck out of readers on this site. You talk /write so muh about nothing and at the end of it all your contribution does not add anything to the discussion at hand. In fact you are a troll. No doubt
Ratatat – RAT:
Because you lack basic common sense. I do believe that you need to return to school and start from scratch, kindergarten. While there, you should be taught discipline and respect for others and also learn to accord them their due rights. This includes to live at peace and in harmony with others. You are lacking all those virtues and are in dire need of the grace of God and His blessings.
This is not a tug-of-war or war of words but that every one, as Dominicans, are offering their opinion which they are entitled to. Hopefully what is stated the government authorities will find the sensible comments useful and consider them.
Even the little ones could comprehend what I stated and know that it makes sense.
Try writing something sensible and respectable for a change. Be loving and kind and you will be a happy person.
I have worked during election, in Dominica and abroad where I reside and I know what I am talking about. Prior to working on Election Day, all concerned are given instructions for a few hours. It is like taking an election course. I have the experience and expertise.
You do not know the majority of those who comment on DNO, if none at all. Be careful. Do not insult others for providing their comments on this Website. I am certain that they have more intelligent and expertise than you in this respect.
The PM is right again. UWP has no issues to bring to the public so they grabbing at straws. It wont work. National ID cards is the way to go.
I still do not understand the big issue with voter ID cards or national ID cards, this is a big waste of money. However, there is a need to clean the voters lists before the next election. Whenever someone goes to vote he should have a valid ID either, Passport, Drivers License or Social Security card. Any citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica should have the right to vote living in Dominica or not. No one who cannot present a valid Dominican ID upon the time of voting should not be allowed to vote period. The fact that we want to continue to restrict people voting who have lived out of Dominica for 5 consecutive years is outer nonsense. There are a number of persons living overseas who contribute more to Dominica than the persons who live there.
I could not agree more with you. If someone has citizenship of a country he or she is allowed to vote – never mind where he or she lives. Talking the right to vote from a citizen is just as bad as taking his citizenship altogether. So, where is this injustice coming from. In reality, Dominica has now 2 different classes of citizens, those who live on the island and those who don’t. What a nonsense!!
People overseas contributing to dominica is not something which started happening yesterday, it has happened for decades administration after administration. The law wasn’t passed yesterday either it has been so for decades too. If all dominicans are to be eligible to vote then the law needs to adjusted to suit but as long as the law remains as is then the law should be applied.
Roosevelt Skerrit said,”no law no constitution will prevent me”….the “electoral commission”is a creature of the constitution,what do you expect then?
Roseau is so big,that they had to cut into down to south, north, central, and valley
whenever I go to vote in the US I never ever show a voter ID card, I just give them my name and they look it up in their book then they ask for an ID and I give them my state ID card and I am good to go.
This is true but I’m sure at some point you had to register to vote, that’s why your name is in their book.
yes thats true I had to register to vote, likewise in DA I had to register to vote thats why my name was in the DA book.
THATS A FAT LIE
cant compare the u.s system of checks and balances which is hundreds of years old with that of dominica which started after the 1979 uprising after the registery got burnt
people still writing the birth certificates in 2011…
please make an educated contribution
All we really need is one card that will serve as social security Voter and National ID. This card must be machine readable so that we can travel throughout the OECS and soon beyond (Caricom) Without a passport. No need to have three four cards walking around. They need to be renewed so that info can be updated every so often. One Card can solve many problems and save lots of money and space in the wallet as well
Absolutely right!!
Oh Give me break
with all the corruption and scams am hearing about going on in this small island. i really and honestly not to bothered with ID card or Voter Card. I can guarantee u that the same people who are assigned to issue them are the same set of people who in turn are selling them. Changing the menu but with the same cook does not make that much of a difference.
tell them the place they building stop it and take the money to make the card for voters what happening pee they giving us to drink man people allover fighting for their rights why cant we do the same the red money they giving people really making them stupid way
We have a habit of making a mountain out of a pimple!Step back, take a deep breath and let us consider:
– we are hardly the size of a small town, in international terms and that small size should make it easier for us to conduct our affairs, rather than complicated.
Why, for instance do we require 21 constituencies, and it’s attendant administration and costs for a population that barely touches 70,000, just to quote one example!
– the law makes it very clear, who is entitled to vote in general elections and who is not. We do not use slates or abacuses anymore. The Registrar’s data base is already fully IT compatible I’m given to understand and with modern computer power it should be fairly simple and quick to compile an accurate voters’ list, and maintain it. I even question the need to maintain a full-time electoral office for our small nation.
– for those Dominicans, residing overseas and who are entitled to vote there are plenty of examples from other countries, who employ methods that are proven and we can borrow from them.
– All those entitled to vote have to do is to produce a valid and legitimate I.D. that corresponds with their entry details on the voters’ list.
We have so many committees, sub committees, NGO’s, consultants,advisors etc. etc. that we are in danger of burying ourselves in arguments, protocols,procedures and reports with little actual value-added work being done on the ground. Let’s keep it simple and show the world that we can run things quickly, efficiently and with the min. of costs.
You know the saying: “Too many cooks spoil the broth/soup.” This adds to confusion. I would love to give them some advice about organizing,proficiency and peacefully so.
I ask this question before and I will ask it again, Does Dominica have a board of elections? and if so who appoints that board.
Mr. Sout City ( I presume you mean South City aka Grand Bay?). Please read our constitution. It is available on line. In fact, everybody should have it as a standby
i think the card should be for citixens only. by birth marriage and naturalization.. other people here come on visas. so as long as u are here u have a passpost legally you should be entilled to have an id card and entilled to vote. simple
u alive nah with your citixens not to long ago u tried correcting me but i see we all make mistakes hope u dont do the same with the bank money u like letting people where u work.like bank job is all of that with the 2cents they pay u all
What is the big issue about id card. every one in your community know who the people are.
The PM is prepared to spend millions on a national ID in the hopes of curbing passport scams when the scam operation is simply an operation within the crony club of the DLP. The scam can be halted by simply implementing a genuine system of controls and allowing the police to do the work of the people without interferences from crooked lawyers who seem to be in control of the PIP.
The argument that we don’t have the money may have had some credibility however since you single handily decided that a 27 million dollar state house is of extreme importance to Dominicans in this “ Hard Economic” times then you are again demonstrating your reckless, dictatorial , Chavezarian behaviour- not to mention the arrogant, now it all Vielle Case like behaviour.
It is asinine and prevarication to associate the voter ID issue with the plight of the farmers , fishermen, bus drivers and truck drivers, trades menetc. It is the same prime minister who borrowed 120 million dollars on behalf of the people of Dominica yet Dominicans are not benefiting from the money . Instead the money is going back to China. The cruise ship companies had been requesting upgrades and improvement in our tourism product for the last six years and when the cruise ships decided to take their business elsewhere the very same PM blame the truck drivers and the people of Dominica for the dilapidated condition in Dominica.
This PM has a very interesting personality- crude arrogance, narcissistic, brash and uninformed.
Just introduce the damn card Mr. PM. we soon get tired of one party in Government anyway. persons tend to be registered in far too many constituencies and as such, parties tend to dictate as to the constituency in which they should vote, thereby securing victory at the poles.
I really don’t understand the hoopla with getting voter ID / National Cards. Both are a waste of money. Bigger countries who can afford it don’t implement this waste of scarce resources but those small Caribbean Island with little budgets waste their money on Voter ID cards. You wonder where are the innovative minds of those we elect to lead us.
We don’t need either card. Where problems arise, ask persons to present their passport of have someone vouch that they know this person.
Islands of less than 70 thousand people don’t need this extravagant waste of tax payers’ money to soothe the minds of ambitious politicians.
Move on people and government.
actually your suggestion is already in place.
You are so wrong on so many points that I do not even know where to begin. Larger countries do have voter ID and National IDs. Some incorporate the two into one ID, which is what I think Dominica is trying to do. Now do you know that CXC requires each student to present a valid picture ID in order to be admitted into the examination room? In this day and age where identity theft is so easy, you cannot be serious by thinking that we do not need a national ID. Some countries consider the national ID card more valid than even birth papers. We need it but i believe we should sit and plan how to properly implement it.
Skerro you trying to play smart we don’t need a national ID card, because it’s the same as our passport,driver’s license and social security cards…..WE NEED A VOTER’S ID CARD CLEAN UP THE LIST ALL THOSE WHO ARE DECEASED, OUT OF STATE FOR DECADES ALL THE CRAP THAT’S GOING ON NEEDS TO STOP…..ONE OF THESE DAYS YOU MUST IMPLEMENT IT….YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM IT…..
That is well said voters ID CARDS are very important and D’ICANS have to tell Skerrit loud and clear that he is not going to disrespect them any longer you had enough as far as he is concern it’s his way or no way well D’ICANS have to take back their ISLAND at whatever cost
All you just talking. Some time ago an opposition person start to clean up the voters list. He send names to the electoral office saying them people dead. Next thing you know them people alive. He do know their real names. He kill two of his own supporters on his list of clean up. if the opposition would take a close look at the list they will realize all who on the list are regular visitors who send plenty money and barrel to Dominica.SO THEY CAN VOTE TOO.
Skerrit Serious? You can’t do an MRI in hospital but you building a state house. A state house is a “want” and not a “need”. Voter ID cards are NEEDED
Why not have both a national ID card and a voter registration card. I live in the state of NJ and I have both. The ID card just means that you are a resident of the state while the Voter card means that you are registered to vote and therefore can engage in the electoral process. Even if I have my ID card I cannot use that to vote unless I am registered. The voter ID card is needed in my opinion so that the elections remains fair.
http://www.google.dm/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oas.org%2Fes%2Fsap%2Fdocs%2Fcp23875t01.doc&rct=j&q=election%20obsevation%20mission%20report%20dominica&ei=dgn6TafwKej00gG8sMiWAw&usg=AFQjCNFdtG0_nVKbXchzO_SAda8gMx_vaw
B. Recommendations
1. Dominica is one of the few remaining countries in the Caribbean without a voter identification card. In the past, both party leaders and electoral authorities have recommended issuing a card; indeed, this appears to remain an issue in which there exists a consensus that cuts across party lines. Despite an estimated population of 69,000 persons, the voter registry in Dominica contains approximately 65,000 names. While the disproportionate number can be attributed to the many Dominicans living outside the country, the list also contains names of people who have deceased or have moved out of the country and have not returned. The Mission recommends that the newly elected Government, in consultation with the Opposition and the Electoral Commission, consider the implementation of an identification card system. Providing cards to registered voters of Dominica will facilitate the complete revision and updating of the voter registry. The Mission therefore strongly recommends that voter ID cards be issued in time for the next general elections.
True. I am a resident of another country in CARICOM and whenever i go to vote, I MUST MUST MUST present my voter ID card. In local or national elections.
I agree with the PM. Once you have some sort of ID that is OK. You go in, you give your name, you show an ID just like in the bank. The agents of all the parties sitting there generally know everyone anyway. They can check it and you go to vote. I do not see the sense of having some massive national programme specifically for a voter ID.
Its like how the opposition demonstrated for IPO, forced the governmet into all of that expense when laws were there already. And now the same people saying they dont like the IPO.
The same thing will happen with the Voter ID. They will make noise for it and when there are problems they will turn round and blast the government again.
Stcuuuuups. They just looking for issues. Go to the House of Assembly. Do your work. Hold regular constituency meetings. Go house to house. Then you will get a few more seats.
The Electoral Commission is being hijacked, treated with contempt, ridiculed. Skerritt and his Govt. has no intention of providing neither National nor VOTER ID CARDS. No intention to CLEAN UP THE BLOATED VOTERS’ LIST. Remember the E-mail written and sent to Skerritt and copied to another person now a member of the Electoral Commission? The E-mail clearly stated that what the Commission is requesting, namely VOTER ID CARDS and CLEANING UP OF THE VOTERS’ LIST is MADNESS.
WHY should any leader of a country do all in its power to frustrate the genuine request of the Electoral Commission. About 7-8 Years now OUI Dominicans pleading for Voter ID cards and cleaning up of the Voters’ list. Skerritt must stop those irresponsible behaviour. Why try to create turmoil and chaos and more hatred and enmity among Dominicans? Skerritt is certainly showing the World that he will do anything to put a spoke in the wheel of the Electoral Commission. Dominicans must muster the courage and strength to tell Skerritt and his govt. that they will not accept any ELECTION without the provision of VOTER ID CARDS and CLEANING UP OF the VOTERS’ LIST. Skerritt time and time again disrespects the Constitution and Laws of the land to the detriment of the entire nation.
Not accepting the election? Can you clarify that? Who in Dominica is going to say that when the whole country id RED?
National ID is the way to go. This can also be used as a voter’s ID…smart move PM
there is a big difference between could ,can and will be so in the future before u agree with something find out which it is
The electoral law requires a VOTER ID CARD not a national ID card. Please note the two are different. Since elections are very, very important, a voter ID card is more stringent than a national ID card. It has a residency requirement (specified in law) that has to be met unlike a national ID card.
The man talks about health care,education,farmers schools etc and he just spent 27 million on a state house….. now u remember mr pm.
Suggestion –
(i)Colour code the drivers license to determine which driver is a citizen, and the DL can then be used as the ID card.
(ii) Using the same police supervised drivers license system, issue a photo ID similar to the drivers license, for non driving citizens.
(iii) Pass legislation with penalty of 5 years at Stock Farm for anyone messing with the National ID System.
(iv) Amend the constitution (a) no residency requirements for citizens to vote, and (b) any citizen can run for parliament. We should not have “classes” of citizen!
Peace
Agree with ur third point. But are all citizens registered to vote? Will ur drivers license detail where u are registered to vote? I think that could lead to some serious bobol. WE need voter ID cards. What’s so hard about that?
I think that this system can work in that it would also generate unique identifiers similar to that already employed on the DL. Now we are to renew our licence every year, perhaps there can be a spot on the card where once you have voted, regardless where you voted, a hole may be punched in that area, or there could be some other form of uniquely marking the card which would make it impossible for that person to show this same card for voting in another district. Like the Driver’s Licences the card should also state your address, or voting district.
Now since our licence is valid for a period of one year, it would mean that if one was to leave Dominica and was out of Dominica for a period over 4 years, their card would leave them unable to vote on their old card. They would have to provide some type of evidence that they were in Dominica or frequented Dominica in order to be given a new card for voting. This is what i think at least.
@ Ha is all dominicans that have license? I am a registered voter and do not drive, have never driven in DA. stupes… so many domincans have never gotten a license and worse so many 18 years olds do not have licenses as yet but are eligible to vote. Do you know one needs money to get a license? not everyone can afford it, but the right to vote is free!!! there are loop holes in any card system, is my point. anyone that we chose has to be carefully thought out. One thing is for damn sure, the list has to be cleaned.
u all dominicans don’t get to the dep of things when presented to u all all o u just saying i agree with u pm with what a u agreeing with this is not right what skerrit is doing.when the police stop u bus drivers now just show them your national id card if it can be used for voters id car it can be used for drivers licence too.when u need to withdraw money from bank ditributer ues the id card too. my point is that everything has it own perpers.
a national id card have nothing to do with voting i have my son who is 10 year old he will be entitle to have a national id card becaues he is a dominican national thos that mean becaues he have an national id card he is entitled to vote,?
You forget it has a voting age even if he has a national I.D card and he is not at voting age he can’t vote! Why most ppl don’t think before they open their mouths
if money is the problem as he has said ‘ well just let ppeople present there dam pasport when going to vote.
A natiaonal card and voters card is not the same, for only persons of age to vote should have voters card
Here how u doe think before u talk about people opening their mouth: IS all people above 18 that registered to vote? the point of the card is to confirm voter registration. every citizen will hold a card, not every citizen is a registered voter. that is the point linky trying to make.
All you just thinking small, a card can have sections to indicate, registered voter in district A for example. All you acting like all the cards should have the exact same information in there. I have seen national ID cards and voter cards which contain all these information. This system could perhaps be the system which unifies the national database of Dominicans. Registry has its system, schools have theirs, hospital, police. Really i do not have the patience to try to explain how beautiful this system can be because most of you seem to blind to understand.
You all just don’t seem to understand the relevance of the National ID card.I live in New York and I am registered to vote. I have a voter registration card with no ID just my name address and district in which I should vote. When I go to the polling station I show them the card and my Non Driver ID. If I do not have the registration card I show them my ID and I am good to go. So what the Prime Minister is saying makes sense. You use the National ID card as a way to identify yourself at the polling station or asny where you go which requires the use of identification. Any form of transaction I has to do they ask me for my ID. I go to the bank to withdraw money or cash a check the first question they ask is do you have an ID. So even though you are not a supporter of the present party, though matter what party you belong take out the blinders and understand the point that he is making. In the US you must have some form of ID to conduct buisness. It is not political it is the law of the land. In the US you are known by a number and not by the name. The number first and then the name comes after. Do not bash the Prime Minister and take a little time to understand what he is saying. I am in full support of the National ID card for there a Dominican passports floating all over the place so we really do not know the true Dominicans with birth certificates out there for sale.
and what make u think cards won’t be floating around too?
Just as they can acquire passports they will get the cards too. The passport should be the hardest document to obtain and it is global. What makes you think it will be any harder to obtain this national ID card.
And before you reply I am non- partisan. There needs to be a comprehensive reform o the voters list
(1) investigate who is residing in Dca and who has migrated
(2) Refresh the list and then you can become eligible for a card.
(3) cross- reference immigration departures / arrivals with current voter registration lists.
Only then can this thing be effective.
First of all who cares whether or not you are voting in new York- in my opinion you are just being braggadocios. There are millions of people with a drivers license in the US , some with green card but can’t vote simply because they are not citizens. The laws of the United States is different from that of Canada, Britain , Dominica , Barbados ………….in other words every country has it’s own rules and regulations as it pertains to the electoral process. I’ve heard this non sense from you every time this issue comes up. Theresa stop being a show off.
The national ID system cannot deter the importation of illegitimate voters during an election. A national ID is identical to having a passport. People who have left Dominica 30 years ago and become citizens of another country still have a Dominican passports. According to the electoral regulations not all Dominicans of voting age are illegible voters.
You are absolutely right. A national I.D. card is not an automatic qualification to vote. This is why it is as important, if not more so, to have an up-dated “clean” and genuine voters’ list. The I.D. is only to verify that the person listed is indeed the person he/she claims to be.
i agree with the PM for the first time . we can use the national ID cards for Voters ID card. its good. i stand down.. however, i am happy to hear you mentioned about the health care and education hoping to see something become of that situation.
right now all his chines xprisoner will be entitle to a national id card so thay they will be able to vote for him.
It is not often that I agree with the views of the PM, but on this issue, I am on his side…
No problems with that, as long as the identity card is not used to restrict freedom of movement. There are many countries that use national identity cards , on a compulsory basis such as Belgium, Germany, Brazil and even Israel (must be acquired by age 18) to name just a few. We have to make absolutely certain that they are not issued to people who are not entitled to them.
Interesting. A national ID card sounds fine. My only question would be whether a different document would be issued to Dominican residents that are not citizens and not allowed to vote. In other words, it would help if there was clarity around the issuance of the national ID card. Who gets one and who doesn’t?
i support you 100% Mr. Prime Minister. The opposition need brain they talk too much cr**.
They are blaming their failure on voters ID, they need to clean up their act and wheel and come again.
Pm you’re a smart man and may god bless you always. Continue the good works that you are doing. You have my support.
jesus cries weh weh weh weh weh mr have gootts.